Upcycle All Your Plastic Bags Into Decorative Pillows With A Dollar Tree DIY

Plastic grocery bags can be hard to avoid. Whether you forgot your usual reusable bags, your store ran out of paper bags temporarily, or paper bags just are not the norm in your area, it is shockingly easy to amass a large collection of the plastic bags from even a single shopping trip. Unfortunately, you cannot simply toss these plastic grocery bags in your regular recycling bin for curbside pickup. While some stores offer recycling collection specifically for these bags, that is not the case everywhere. If you find yourself needing an alternative to decluttering your old plastic bags with easy storage, then upcycling could be your solution. One creative and fun project is to make a decorative pillow and use the plastic bags as stuffing. This DIY is possible with just a few Dollar Tree materials and items you may already have, so you can get an adorable new pillow while helping your wallet and the environment.

For this project, all you need are two pieces of fabric, some fabric glue or sewing supplies, and your plastic bags. Dollar Tree sells Crafters Square Craft Fabric that are 18 inches by 21 inches and come in a variety of patterns. You'll sometimes find fabric glue at Dollar Tree, or you could try Aleene's Tacky Glue All-Purpose Craft Adhesive. Alternatively, look for the best fabric glues for furniture and upholstery. Of course, you can also choose to use fabric you already own for this project or sew the pieces together rather than glue them.

To create your upcycled throw pillows, start by laying out your fabric. Place the first piece on a flat surface with the pattern facing up, and then lay the second piece on top with its pattern facing down. Line the fabrics up and then measure and mark a line about one-half of an inch from the edge. If you are gluing, draw this line on the bottom piece of fabric where it can act as a guideline for your glue. Replace the top piece of fabric, line it up, and then lift the top fabric and apply glue bit by bit around three of the sides. Fabric glue typically takes at least two hours to dry, and you should check your product's instructions to make sure it is set before you move your pillow. If you are sewing, the line will be your seam allowance. Sew along three of the sides. Sticking to this line for either method is important for achieving a well-shaped pillow. Once three sides are glued together and dried or sewn, turn the fabric right side out. Iron for a crisp look, and begin stuffing.

When stuffing, make sure that the plastic bags are not balled up and that you fill the corners of the pillow with bags. Continue to stuff the pillow with bags, adjusting any lumpy spots as you go. You can add as many bags as you like, but make sure that you will be able to glue or hand-stitch the pillow shut to finish your project. 

If you use fabric glue or are experienced with a sewing machine, this project should be a breeze to complete. For more of a creative challenge, you can experiment with different shapes. The process will be similar to that of a square or rectangular pillow, but you will need to draw and cut out your desired shapes. Dollar Tree carries fabric squares with seasonal patterns, such as pumpkins and leaves in the fall, that are perfect for creating seasonal decor. You could really lean into the theme by making your pillow the shape of a pumpkin or leaf. In the winter, snowman-shaped throw pillows using wintery fabric would be festive, and spring and summer florals on a flower-shaped throw pillow would be adorable during the warmer months.

The other benefit of designating these DIY throw pillows for seasonal use is that it will help them last longer, if they are properly stored. The plastic bags inside mean that washing and drying the pillow may be difficult. Too much moisture could get trapped inside, not dry, and potentially result in mold. Additionally, keep in mind that these throw pillows might be a bit loud due to the crinkling plastic inside. Despite the limited durability, this project is still a great way to upcycle some plastic bags. If you still have some left after creating a throw pillow or two, you can explore more creative ways to repurpose your plastic grocery bags to use around the house.